Watch food prices

I know the concern is over gas prices as they have escalated and gone down in just a four-week period. But we have been shopping for groceries and noticed that it's there where we're really being gouged.

Our family shops at local stores, and the other day I went into grocery store A. Looking twice at some of the prices of things I needed, I found a big surprise. Popcorn (three pack) was $3.99, milk was $5.99 a gallon and a loaf of bread was almost $4!

Now I often shop at store B and pay $1 for popcorn, $3 for a gallon of milk and about $1.50 for good bread. Why does store A charge 200 percent to 400 percent more, since both stores make a profit? I asked people at store A, but couldn't get much of an answer.

Now, not all popcorn is created (or grown) equally ... but come on, I'm not buying Russian Beluga caviar. why 400 percent higher? what if gas went up as much as $16 a gallon? Imagine the protest? But food costs ... not a whimper. Except for this whiny letter.

Anyway, consumers, please watch those prices (milk, bread, caviar - OK, skip the caviar - popcorn, onions, etc). You know, the stuff we all eat. Tally up the costs and notice where you pay the most. Now look at where you pay least. Chances are, most of the low-priced items will be at the same store. Now you can begin to save. Tell your friends.